A Learning Activity is a strategy a teacher chooses to actively
engage students in learning a concept or skill using a digital tool/resource.
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Phase:
During/Explore/Explain
Activity:
Students are grouped in sets of three. Students rotate jobs for each letter:
photographer/director
letter designer 1
letter designer 2
Provide a clear printed representation of the letters students are to find or create.
Students work their way through the alphabet taking pictures of letters using their body. Some letters may be found up close such as the letter U in a fingernail or the letter C in the shape of an ear. Some letters may be created using their entire body or using two people.
Students will need to analyze each picture for clarity. If it isn't clear, they will delete the picture and try again.
This may take several days or as you introduce the letters over time a photograph is added to the collection.
Once each set of students have completed all the letters. The photographs can be curated or compiled into a slideshow in which the students have to guess the letter in each photograph. Students may see other letters than the one intended. The conversation and debate that takes place is part of the learning.
Assessment Strategies:
Teacher observation of discussions during the creation of letters.
Teacher observation of discussions during analysis of photographs.
Advanced Preparation:
Procuring devices
Explicitly teaching students how to take photographs and delete unwanted photographs.
Have letter cards printed so students can see the shape they need to create.
Variation Tips (optional):
Extension: You can add the photographs to a movie-making software and have students add the sounds of the letters they have created as well.
Variation: If you use a portfolio software such as ClassDojo or SeeSaw students can immediately upload their pictures for others to analyze and guess at. They can also draw and annotate on the picture to show their thinking.